Adrian girls basketball struggles against Chelsea

Saturday

Dec 14, 2013 at 8:15 AM

By Lucas RainsDaily Telegram Special Writer

The Adrian High School girls basketball team fell to Chelsea 70-28 in a Southeastern Conference White Division matchup on Friday. Adrian struggled shooting the ball most of the game as result of Chelsea's defensive pressure.

It was a very fast-paced and physical game that resulted in a total of 43 fouls between the two teams. The game appeared to be even early on, but the Bulldogs would pull away to a convincing 42-point victory.

Samantha Regalado got the scoring started for the Maples (1-3, 0-2 SEC) when she hit a 3-pointer in the opening minutes of the game. Meghan Spagnoli scored seven of her team-high 11 points in the first quarter, including knocking down all four of her free throws.

Adrian's scoring chances were limited in the first quarter, but it took advantage of them when it had the chance. The Maples scored 14 points in the opening quarter, but only managed 14 the rest of the game.

Adrian coach Todd Barrus said that things started to fall apart after the first quarter.

"The first quarter, we moved pretty well," said Barrus. "We moved the ball OK. And the second quarter was rough, because there was really no flow."

The teams traded baskets in the opening quarter as it wound up knotted up at 14 going in the second.

Chelsea used full-court pressure to cause problems for the Maples throughout the rest of the game. The pressure quickened the pace of the game and forced 21 Adrian turnovers.

After an even first quarter, Chelsea began to pull ahead of the Maples. The Bulldogs outscored Adrian 17-3 in the second quarter, giving them a 31-17 advantage heading into halftime.

"They did a very good job of being physical," said Barrus. "We just didn't handle the pressure very well. We've got to make better choices. After that first quarter, it was a totally different team out there.

"Don't get me wrong, Chelsea did a nice job, but I felt like it was more of us stopping ourselves than anything else."

Chelsea started right where it left off in the first half, going on a 10-0 run to start the second half. Spagnoli finally ended the Adrian scoring drought when she stole a pass and was fouled on a breakaway layup. She would split her free throws. Tyra Scott's free throw later in the quarter would end the Adrian scoring in the third frame. Chelsea once again benefitted from a dominant quarter, outscoring the Maples 21-2.

McKenzie Mykala scored five of her game-high 17 points in the third for Chelsea. Melissa Robards thrived in the quarter as she scored nine of her 12 points.

The Maples struggled in the second and third quarters as they failed to make a field goal, making only five of its free throw attempts. The scoring drought resulted in a 38-5 combined deficit in the two quarters.

"When you don't score a field goal for two quarters it makes it tough to win," said Barrus.

Adrian would score nine in the final quarter, when Riley Davis scored all three of her points. Samantha Marlatt hit a buzzer-beater to end the game. Chelsea doubled the Adrian output with 18 more points in the fourth quarter.

Spagnoli led the Maples with 11 points and three steals. Regalado scored six and grabbed eight rebounds. Scott added three points, four boards and three steals. Marlatt finished with three points, and Johnston had four rebounds.

Barrus remained positive after a tough loss, hoping the team learned something from a game like this.

"For our younger players, especially, any time you go through something like this, you hope that they learn from it," said Barrus. "We have three senior captains, and if anyone can turn us around, then they can."

Adrian will travel to play SEC opponent Ann Arbor Huron on Tuesday.

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